Residents face long wait to return to flood-hit homes

Richard Stevens said property was stolen while he was drying out his belongings

An elderly couple forced out of their house by flooding in West Sussex fear they may not be able to return for several months.

Residents of Rope Walk, in Littlehampton, were evacuated by emergency services when the area was seriously flooded after the River Arun burst its banks last week.

Christine Coe said it had been a “horrific” experience and her parents were unlikely to be able to return to their home for up to eight months.

A drop-in session for people affected by the flooding was held at the Arun Yacht Club on Friday.

Two feet of floodwater ruined homes and destroyed the stock of businesses in the area when the River Arun burst its banks.

Richard Stevens, who owns a yard in Rope Walk and a nearby flat, said both were hit by flooding, and his £3,500 electric bicycle was stolen while he was drying out his belongings.

He said: “A lifetime of bits and pieces gone. All the photographs. Just everything. You can’t replace photographs or stuff like that.”

'Very depressing'

Ian Fox, who lives in Riverside Estate, said his living room floor was littered with paintings he had been working on and sodden books.

He said his bed was still wet with floodwater.

“All the electrical stuff was ruined. That’s why I’m chucking it out,” he said.

While Mr Stevens and Mr Fox have moved back in, Chris Taylor does not expect to be back in his home in Riverside Estate for another month.

He said: “It has been very depressing. My place is currently being dehumidified and the next step is to check the plaster.

“Anything bolted to a wall – kitchen units, bath units – will be replaced. It’s a matter of time.

“We have to live with it and wait for it to happen.”

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